Vetiver
Botanical Name: Vetiveria zizanoides
Synonym: Andropogon muricatus, vetivert
Botanical Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)
Country of Origin: India, Java, Haiti
Plant Part: Roots
Extraction Method: Steam distillation
Characteristics: Earthy, smoky
Properties: Antiseptic, nervine, sedative, tonic, vermifuge
Chemical Constituents:
Benzoic acid, vetiverol, furfurol, α-vetivone, β-vetivone, vetivene, vetivenyl vetivenate
Indications:
Mind & Spirit:
- Calming and deeply grounding
- Soothes irritability, anger and hysteria.
Body:
- Sedative
- Alleviates muscular aches and pains
- Treats PMS and menopause.
Contraindications: Nil
Note: Base
Odour Intensity: Un-referred
Blends well with:
Frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lemon, lavender, patchouli, rose, rosewood, sandalwood, ylang ylang
Traditions:
In India and Sri Lanka the dried, thin, wiry roots are woven into fans, screens and mats. It is known as “the oil of tranquillity” du to its calming action. The powdered root protected Indian muslin from moths and insects when placed in sachets.